Lead in fake lipstick 300 times legal level

♦ A warning has been issued over fake lipstick after a court heard that the level of lead in counterfeit products can cause severe health problems.

Paul Lamerton sold fake lipsticks on ebay and Facebook with 300 times the legal level of lead, and magistrates in Plymouth, Devon, were told that the cosmetic could result in high blood pressure, cardiac, reproductive and neurological problems. It could also cause possible neurological damage to unborn babies.

Lamerton, 47, of Modbury, Devon, was selling the lipstick at £6 each or four for £15. Real MAC lipsticks cost £16.50 each. He pleaded guilty to seven trading offences. For each he was given six weeks in prison, to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months.